Who May Refer?

A medical referral is necessary for admission, and most patients are referred by psychiatrists or neurologists. However, on occasions (for example where there is limited access to local psychiatric services), general practitioners may refer patients for assessment to the Unit. In most cases, the referring agency should discuss a possible referral with one of the medical staff. In emergency situations, patients should be referred to their nearest psychaitric service. Written referrals and details of past assessments are usually necessary in order to facilitate the assessment process. Where possible, patients should bring copies of all investigations, including previous brain imaging studies with them to the hospital. Patients being referred to the Comprehensive Epilepsy Service should be referred directly to the Director of this service, Dr Roderick Mackenzie.

Who To Refer?

The entire range of neuropsychiatric disorders is appropriate for referral. Other referrals which may be appropriate include complex psychiatric disorders refractory to conventional treatments. The NPI is a diagnostic and assessment facility and does not provide long-term treatment or rehabilitation services. In most cases, after assessment, the patient will be referred back to the referring agency for further management. Patients must be suitable for management in an open ward environment. A requst may be made to the referring agency to provide staff assistance for management of more difficult patients.

Clinical Programs

The patients are cared for by a team which comprises a Consultant Psychiatrist, a Neurologist, a Psychiatric Registrar, a Team Sister, a Clinical Psychologist and a Welfare Officer. The day-time program will vary with each patient depending on the degree of medical management required but may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy and rehabilitation. Currently, there is facility for 4 inpatients.

New Programs

The following major clinical programs have been developed at the NPI:

1. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS):

In collaboration with the Mood Disorders Unit (Professor P Mitchell), the NPI has formulated a plan for the investigation of rTMS for its potential role in therapy of disorders such as Depression, OCD, etc. This will start as a research program but has the potential to become a major clinical program.

2. Stroke and Psychiatry program:

In collaboration with the Stroke Unit at the Prince of Wales Hospital (Dr D Gillies), a program into the cognitive and psychiatric consequences of cerebrovascular disease is being prepared. This will also start as a research program into Vascular Dementia, but has the potential to be of major clinical service in a much needed area.

Accommodation:

The NPI does not offer separate rooms to patients, and facilities are shared. Carers may stay at the Prince of Wales Hospital hostel (single rooms) or Rotary House (double accommodation) at very reasonable cost.

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